Years 5-8 Continuity Work Group

This Work Group aims to strengthen the transition from primary to secondary school by focusing on curriculum and pedagogical continuity over Years 5 to 8. Central to the Work Group is the promotion of cross phase communication between teachers to address issues of maths knowledge and learning transition as distinct from pastoral considerations.

What is involved?

The Work Group design will follow a workshop – school-based work cycle, consisting of several workshops followed in each case by specific school-based work. A lesson study approach is encouraged where all participants focus on a particular aspect of the maths curriculum and work collaboratively to develop this in their schools. Cross-phase classroom observation and discussion of practice is encouraged wherever possible. Participants are expected to consider ways to develop the approaches explored during the project with other staff in their schools.

What are the benefits?

Participants and their schools will:

• deepen knowledge and understanding of the curriculum across KS2 and KS3 and the expectations of pupils at the end of each Key Stage
• understand the approaches which will support pupils as they move from KS2 to KS3, including the importance of consistency of language and representations
• make use of common approaches, representations and language across phases
• develop collaboration between primary and secondary colleagues on issues of curriculum and pedagogy, making them part of the school’s transition practice (and policy)

The wider context

The Work Groups in this project promote teaching for mastery approaches across the KS2-3 boundary to ensure consistency in the pupil experience. This addresses two aims:

• (primary) all pupils develop deep knowledge, understanding and confidence, and are well prepared for the secondary maths curriculum
• (secondary) working with schools to address specific challenges in secondary maths teaching through the use of teaching for mastery approaches.

This project aims to avoid the dip in attainment which is often reported as pupils move from primary to secondary education.

Who can apply?

Participants should be teachers of Years 5-8 in primary, secondary, middle school and all-through schools who have some responsibility for curriculum development, e.g. primary school maths leads/secondary heads of department. Linked ‘families’ of schools are encouraged to take part: ideally teachers from two (or more) secondary schools and some of their associated primary schools will work together.

What is the cost?

The Year 5-8 Continuity project is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

Who will be leading this Work Group?

Lucy Farnham

Where and When?

• Online launch session-  Thursday 15th February, 4-5pm
• Session 1 (face to face)- Friday 8th March, 9am to 3pm
• Session 2 (face to face)- Friday 26th April, 9am to 3pm
• Session 3 (face to face)- Thursday 13th June, 9am to 3pm

Venue TBC

Interested?

We are no longer accepting applications for this programme, however if you would like to express an interest in our 2024/25 Work Group, please complete our expression of interest form linked below.